Although residents of Asian descent make up about 5% of the U.S. population, that racial group has the highest percentage of college graduates. But even with the odds seemingly in their favor, students still need help navigating the complex process of college admissions.
That’s why The Korean Daily Journal hosts an annual college fair sponsored by McDonald’s. The event aims to provide assistance through seminars, information booths and a high-profile keynote speaker.
This year the Atlanta Asian American College Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Peachtree Ridge High School. Although it is geared toward Asian students, everyone is welcome and there is no charge.
Gwinnett County Public Schools isn’t involved in presenting the college fair, but it helps spread the word and encourages all students to take advantage of the wealth of information available.
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“There are a variety of college fairs geared toward cultural groups,” said Tinisha Parker, director of advisement and counseling. “Events sponsored by (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are often geared toward African-American students, and there are others directed at Hispanic students, but there are advantages for everyone seeking out the information at all of these.”
She said she and her family attend them not only to obtain a variety of resources, but to see if there’s a technique or mode of presenting the information that might appeal to students under her guidance.
“Embracing this type of diversity allows us access to things we may have been unaware of,” she said.
Admissions representatives from over 30 schools across the country, such as Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, University of Georgia, Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and others, will be at this fair. Prospective students and their parents will also get to attend a variety of seminars by professors of the schools or professional speakers and gather information about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, medical schools, strategies for choosing tests such as SAT, ACT and others, and strategies for getting to the Ivy League.
Wesley Chan, digital producer and co-founder of Wong Fu Productions, will be the keynote speaker. Chan will tell stories about his path to success and how education has helped him along the way.
If you go
McDonald’s continues its 12th year of education workshops with Atlanta as the fourth stop on its multicity tour.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: Peachtree Ridge High School, 1555 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee
Registration: For advance registration, https://2019aaacf.splashthat.com. On-site registration is also available.
